ICLEI Member city Oslo (Norway) has won the European Green Capital Award for 2019, while ICLEI Member Växjö (Sweden) was awarded the title of European Green Leaf 2018 in tandem with the Belgian city of Leuven. The titles were presented by the EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, at an awards ceremony in Essen (Germany), the current European Green Capital.

Commissioner Vella said: “I am delighted to be awarding the tenth European Green Capital Award and the fourth and fifth European Green Leaf Awards. More than two thirds of Europeans live in our cities and towns. The European Green Capital award shows us that cities can grow in size while keeping their green hearts beating. Good urban planning grows each time one city inspires another - that is the secret of the green capital award.”

The jury was particularly impressed by the holistic approach demonstrated by Oslo on topics such as biodiversity, public transport, social integration and citizen health. The jury appreciated Oslo’s approach to connecting with citizens through technology, such as text message invitations to public consultations and politician speed-dating. The jury also appreciated Oslo’s efforts to address challenges such as reclaiming space for citizens over cars.

Växjö has demonstrated strong leadership in sustainable development, making a commitment in 1996 to be fossil fuel free. It was also the first Swedish city to use biomass for district heating and one of the first to start implementing Agenda 2030.

For more information, visit the European Green Capital website.